The Rev. Edward T. Hill, Navy chaplain

The Rev. Edward T. Hill, a Roman Catholic priest and former Navy chaplain, died Feb. 9 of a heart attack at Union Memorial Hospital. He was 78.

The son of a Coca-Cola public relations director and a seamstress, Edward Thomas Hill was born in Baltimore and raised on Patterson Park Avenue.

After graduating in 1952 from Loyola High School, he graduated in 1956 from what is now Loyola University Maryland.

He earned a degree in theology from St. Mary's Seminary & University in Roland Park and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1960.

Father Hill began his career at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church in Dundalk. He subsequently was assigned to the now-closed St. Adrian Roman Catholic Church and St. Edward Roman Catholic Church on Poplar Grove Street before enlisting in the Navy in 1969.

During his nearly 40-year career in the Navy, Father Hill served as a chaplain at the Naval Academy and at the naval station in Norfolk, Va., and saw significant sea duty.

"He was on 54 naval ships and spent 18 months in Vietnam," said a brother, Marion F. "Pete" Hill of Pasadena. "He also served at naval bases in San Diego, Port Hueneme, Calif., Sardinia, Patuxent River, Okinawa, Parris Island and Naples, Italy."

At his retirement in 1997, he had attained the rank of captain.

After leaving the Navy, he worked as a chaplain at what is now the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital and Oak Crest Village.

"He was still working as a substitute priest and would go where he was needed," his brother said.

The Eugene Avenue resident was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing golf, tennis and baseball.

"He had played first base and was a pitcher and was offered a spot with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but decided instead to study for the priesthood," his brother said.

Plans for a memorial Mass are incomplete.

In addition to his brother, Father Hill is survived by his mother, Margaret R. Hill of Baltimore; another brother, Richard J. Hill of Parkville; four nieces; three great-nephews; and a great-niece.